CONWY endured a baptism of fire in their first taste of North Wales Cricket League Premier Division Group A action as they were thumped at Menai Bridge.

Last season’s Division One champions suffered a 163-run defeat on their travels against a side who were expected to challenge for the title this season before the coronavirus pandemic severely disrupted the summer schedule.

The home side made their intentions clear from the outset thanks to valuable contributions from Luke Jones (46) and Jack Gower (49), but the newly promoted side were given a glimmer of hope when Dion Holden (1) was caught off a Shaun Davies delivery.

This hope was quickly dashed thanks to a superb spell at the crease by Gethin Long on his way to 56, and he was ably assisted at the other end by Gethin Roberts (33).

Other double-figure scores came from Gerallt Roberts (19) and Carl Jones (13) as Bridge set a commanding target of 240-9 from their 40 overs.

Anthony Thorpe was the pick of Conwy’s bowling attack with 3-47, with Rajjenu Britto taking two wickets at the expense of 45 runs.

The away side never got close to this daunting run chase, with only Philip Michael Davies (19) and Daniel Davies (18) emerging with any credit as they were skittled for just 77.

Mathew Jones was a force to be reckoned with on his way to outstanding figures of 4-22, with Long and talented teenager Josh Massey claiming a pair of victims apiece.

Conwy will be hoping for a better showing next Saturday when they welcome Llandudno for a hotly-anticipated derby clash.